Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 3: The BJP has announced a protest against the Karnataka Congress government on the first day of the legislative budget session, alleging repeated insults to Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot. The demonstration, led by Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka, is scheduled for Monday.
Addressing the media on Sunday, Ashoka said, "The Congress government continuously disrespects the Governor. They humiliate him on one hand and make him praise their administration on the other. To oppose this, BJP state president B Y Vijayendra, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, JD(S) leaders Suresh Babu and Bhojegowda, and several other MLAs will join the protest march from the MLAs' quarters to Vidhana Soudha."
Ashoka also criticised the Congress government for the state's stalled developmental projects, alleging mismanagement of funds and excessive borrowing. "Development works have come to a standstill. Even Congress MLAs admit this. The government is taking loans of Rs 1 lakh crore and burdening the public with heavy taxes," he said.
He further announced a 'padayatra' (foot march) on March 7 to highlight these issues.
The opposition leader accused the Siddaramaiah-led government of misusing funds meant for Dalit welfare to fulfil election promises. "Funds allocated for Dalit welfare should be used solely for their benefit. The Congress, which criticised the BJP for alleged corruption, is now facing allegations of continuing the commission system," he added.
Taking aim at deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar, Ashoka condemned his recent remarks towards film artists. "Threatening film artists and asking people to behave submissively is dangerous for democracy. The film industry should not be treated as subservient to any political party," he said, demanding an apology from Shivakumar.
Ashoka concluded by contrasting Shivakumar's approach with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, highlighting Modi's respect for all, in contrast to what he described as Shivakumar's ‘model for issuing threats’.